RAF Work Party On North Fox Island, Michigan

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) was successful in reopening North Fox Island (6Y3) last year, and now it's time for airport improvement. The RAF is inviting pilots and friends to a no-host campout work party. Located on an inhabited island in Lake Michigan, this gorgeous strip has been mowed and rudimentary improvements have been made, but it's still rather primitive. The RAF needs help cutting and stacking brush along both sides of the airstrip.

North Fox Island Airstrip, Michigan
Courtesy of RAF

The date of the fly-in is June 18 (with a rain date of July 9). Plan to fly in on June 17 and set up camp. The closest mainland airport is Charlevoix (CVX), and the closest fuel (15 nm) is available at Beaver Island (SJX). Prior to landing, pilots must read the North Fox Island Safety Briefing, theraf.org/content/north-fox-island-safety-briefing-0, and carry a copy in your aircraft.

Pilots must bring the following items: work gloves, safety glasses, pruning shears, hand axe, first-aid kit, reflective vest (optional) or bright-colored shirt, camping gear and foodstuffs, mosquito repellent and/or head net, cook stove and pot for boiling water, bottled water, food and trash bags. As the saying goes, "pack it in, pack it out." According to the RAF, a Porta-Potty is on order; if not yet in place, other primitive accommodations will be in place.

Credit card campers can check out the Visitors Guide to Beaver Island Michigan for hotel information, beaverisland.org/hotels-motels-lodges-bbs.

To be part of the work party fly-in, RSVP with one of the following State Liaisons: Brad Frederick, Michigan State Liaison (bfrederick@theraf.org, 248-761-5615); Jeff Russell, Wisconsin State Liaison (jrussell@theraf.org, 608-347-5108); or Mike Purpura, IllinoisState Liaison (mpurpura@theraf.org, 630-936-3282).

Visit the RAF at theraf.org.

Plane & PilotStaff